Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 6

Written Answers. - Science and Technology Budget.

Ivor Callely

Question:

71 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the science and technology budget allocation for the years 1989 to 1994; the Government's policy for the development of science and technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

The Exchequer allocation to the science and technology budget for the years in question was a follows:

1989	£12,817,000
1990	£14,479,000
1991	£22,992,000
1992	£27,843,000
1993	£20,271,000
1994	£18,665,000

In addition, an amount of £23.4 million in 1993 has been provided under "Measure 6" for Research and Development. The 1994 Exchequer allocation will again be supplemented by further expenditure under the industry-led Research and Development Measure.

As regards the development of science and technology, the Government has a clear conviction of the pivotal role which science and technology has to play in modern society, the contribution it can make to industrial development and the imperative need for industry constantly to upgrade and innovate. Because of this and the large amount of State resources, directly and indirectly, tied up in this activity, the Government has decided to conduct a full-scale review of science and technology policy. I am, therefore, establishing a Review Group to undertake an examination of this subject in order to: (a) determine whether the current policies, objectives, structures and components of the science and technology system are the right ones for achieving economic development through research, technology and innovation; (b) determine what mechanisms should be employed to achieve the desired S & T goals in the light of the above and (c) provide a report on the findings, with recommendations about changes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the national S & T system in contributing to national economic development. This report will be in the form of a draft White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Minister and the Government to consider.